Phoenix prevails over resilient Clippers team to go up 3-1 in WCF

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Phoenix Suns outdueled the Los Angeles Clippers, 84-80, and took care of business in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals to have a commanding 3-1 series lead.

It was by far the most physical game of the series with both squads going through scoring droughts off tenacious defensive stops.

Devin Booker resurrected himself from a Game 3 shooting slump and finished the ball game with 25 points despite fouling out.

When the Suns needed a basket to halt the bleeding, it was Booker who answered the call and sank his signature mid-range pull-up to put Phoenix up by 3 with 5 minutes to go in the 4^th quarter.

Coach Monty Williams and the Suns looked to blow the game wide-open at the start of the second half but a gutsy run from the Clippers trimmed the lead down to just one.

The back-and-forth affair continued for 12 more grueling minutes but coach Tyronn Lue and the Clippers ran out of gas in the final five minutes.

For almost two minutes-and-a-half, the Clippers failed to convert on a basket until they reached the 59^th-second mark where Terance Mann had an easy lay-up.

Chris Paul had his grip on the game and was once again Mr. “Game Manager” for Phoenix after filling the stat sheet with 18 points, seven dimes, and four rebounds including a big-time alley-oop assist to Ayton and a blow by layup to maintain their lead to three with three minutes left in the game.

Los Angeles had several attempts to tie or take the lead but failed to find the bottom of the net as both teams clamped down on defense.

Paul then iced the game with his free throws and will return to their home court and try to punch their ticket to the NBA Finals.

Paul George had another double-double game with 23 points and 16 rebounds but shot poorly from the field after shooting 5-for-20.

Meanwhile, Deandre Ayton was once again the steady force for the Suns after registering 19 huge points, 22 boards, and four blocked shots.